2015-08-02T20:23:49ZA qualitative study on parenting children with ADHD: Finding ways to cope with the challengeshttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/5818
A qualitative study on parenting children with ADHD: Finding ways to cope with the challenges
2015
McKinlay, Brodie Esther
Having a child with ADHD can have a significant impact on parents’ lives. Due to their child’s inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity, as well as possible social and academic difficulties, additional parenting demands are likely. Because parents play a pivotal role in supporting their children, it is important to understand their experiences in order to achieve the best outcomes for children with ADHD and their families. The aim of the present study was to provide a better understanding of the perceptions and experiences of New Zealand parents who have a child with ADHD using an exploratory qualitative methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 parents of children with ADHD. These interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. ‘Challenges’ and ‘Finding ways to cope’ were identified as the two main themes. The first theme highlights the many challenges that parents face in relation to their child’s ADHD, which are described in five subthemes: ‘The child’s behaviour and their other difficulties,’ ‘The impact of the child’s behaviour on those around them,’ ‘Stigma,’ ‘Dealing with health and education professionals,’ and ‘Weighing up the pros and cons of ADHD medication.’ The second main theme describes parents coping strategies for overcoming such challenges, which are described in four subthemes: ‘Seeing the positive,’ ‘Managing problem behaviours,’ ‘Preserving parental wellbeing,’ and ‘Cautious optimism for the future.’ The results of the present study resonate with those of existing qualitative studies on parenting children with ADHD which suggests that many experiences and perceptions are common among parents of children with ADHD. The findings also highlight areas of health and education service provision that could be improved in the areas of policy, funding, training, and professional skill development in order to better meet the needs of children with ADHD and their families.
2015-07-31T00:19:09ZA Survey of Māori Medical Graduates from Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgohttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/5817
A Survey of Māori Medical Graduates from Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo
2015
Barnett, Lauren Helena
INTRODUCTION
Māori health workforce development is an important part of the strategy for improving Māori health and reducing inequalities and Māori doctors are an important part of this workforce. This research aimed to identify the nature and level of contribution made to Māori health by Māori medical graduates from Otago. It further aimed to investigate Māori medical graduate perspectives in relation to their medical education, current work and professional development, expectations and needs as Māori health practitioners.
METHODS
Māori medical graduates from Otago were surveyed using either an internet-based or postal survey to determine their roles in Māori health and their perspectives. The University of Otago Alumni Database was used to identify this population and contact them. There were 77 respondents in total with 70 completing the questionnaire fully for analysis. A descriptive analysis of the data was undertaken using Survey Monkey, Excel and SPSS. Although mainly quantitative, free-text comments made by participants were also analysed for themes.
RESULTS
There was a 53.4% response rate for the internet survey and a 19.4% response rate for the postal Survey. Respondents reflected a diversity of Māori doctors across gender, age, stage in career, locality of work and roles in Māori health with the overall population being relatively youthful (67% under 40 years). Time spent in Māori health varied with 22% spending 50% or more of their time on Māori health and 44% working in areas of high Māori population. Respondents reported many additional roles in Māori health spanning teaching, public health and leadership roles. The number of roles was greater among senior doctors (mean number 4.75) when compared with junior doctors (1.55). Māori graduates reported high levels of expectations, a need to be culturally and clinically competent and a mixed-experience of colleges, training programmes, work places and medical school.
CONCLUSION
This research strongly supports the hypothesis that Māori doctors are contributing greatly to Māori health. This contribution includes working in areas of high Māori population, in working with Māori health providers and across a broad range of roles and responsibilities spanning community, professional, leadership, academic, public health and training support roles. The involvement in Māori health is spread across all areas of the Māori medical workforce and appears to begin during registrar training, growing as doctors’ progress in their careers.
Findings from the perspectives of Māori doctors indicate high levels of passion for Māori health, a need for both clinical and cultural competency and high levels of expectation on Māori doctors to be competent in Māori health. Understanding and support of Māori doctors during training, in the Medical Colleges and workplaces varies considerably indicating a positive direction by some Colleges and workplaces however inconsistent progress in meeting the support needs of Māori doctors.
These findings provide a valuable platform for discussion with a range of stakeholders about the needs of Māori doctors and a valuable platform for Māori health practitioner professional development, starting at University.
2015-07-31T00:14:14ZDynamical properties of gene regulatory networks involved in long-term potentiationhttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/5816
Dynamical properties of gene regulatory networks involved in long-term potentiation
2015
Sanchez Nido, Gonzalo
The significant increase in the availability of postgenomic data has stimulated the growth of hypothesis-generating strategies to unravel the molecular basis of nature. The application of systems theory to biological problems emerged in the early 1970s, and yet the computational methods developed to model biological networks and analyse their functionality have been seldom used for understanding the neurogenetic basis of cognition. The main interests of this thesis are the application of computational models to microarray expression data for the identification and analysis of biological networks related with long-term potentiation (LTP), the cellular correlate of learning and memory in mammals. The models include the analysis of co-expression and studies of dynamical stability.
The thesis starts with the application of established methods on gene expression analysis on the available expression data from LTP in order to identify networks of closely correlated genes in their patterns of expression to ultimately pinpoint putative key regulators not identified previously by classical differential expression analysis. The thesis continues with the analysis of previously identified gene networks regulated 20 min, 5 h, and 24 h post-LTP induction. A dynamical stability analysis using weight matrices suggests that the early network has a significant sensitivity to perturbations compared with randomly generated networks of similar characteristics. In addition, using random Boolean networks, we study the differential sensitivity to perturbations of these networks and we find that our results are consistent with a model of LTP as a complex cellular switch. In such a scenario, earlier networks are dynamically more unstable than later regulatory networks, which are proposed to be responsible for the new homeostatic state reached by the stimulated neurons. Key genes responsible for the dynamic properties observed are identified and discussed. In particular, we found that Egr2, a member of the Egr family of transcription factors was crucial to the bistability observed in the early-response network. Other genes previously associated with LTP have a more modest contribution. A functional analysis of these networks is presented and integrated with previous knowledge on the molecular basis of LTP.
2015-07-29T01:35:48ZFight like a Physicist: Teaching Basic Physics Through the Medium of Karatehttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/5815
Fight like a Physicist: Teaching Basic Physics Through the Medium of Karate
2015
Hall, Emily
The practice of martial arts, particularly karate, is passed down from teacher to student. The largely relationship-focused, kinaesthetic nature of teaching karate is meaningfully different from the standard transmission method of information-sharing that occurs in the classroom. The present thesis investigated the pedagogical efficacy of practising karate in learning basic physics. It was hypothesized that senior karate students would show a more thorough understanding of classical mechanics principles than non-karate students. I also investigated the extent to which karate can help a scientifically marginalized demographic (teenage girls) acquire knowledge of physics outside of the traditional classroom environment. Prior studies indicated that most girls tend to disengage with physics by the age of sixteen. Central to the creative component of the thesis, therefore, was the development of karate-based teaching materials for both secondary school physics students and the general public, incorporating physics lessons within martial arts instruction. As predicted, senior karate practitioners possess an intuitive understanding of classical mechanics concepts, despite having undertaken no formal study in physics.While this area of research is ongoing, preliminary results are promising in two main ways. The novel presentation method appeals to students otherwise not engaged in a formal classroom session. The kinaesthetic nature of teaching karate provides students with a relevance and context to their physics learning.
2015-07-29T01:21:16Z“I Am The Apple Of My Brother’s Eye” : An investigation into the evolving roles of Samoan women with particular reference to religion and gender relationshttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/5814
“I Am The Apple Of My Brother’s Eye” : An investigation into the evolving roles of Samoan women with particular reference to religion and gender relations
2015
Lameta, Malia Ellen Mamele
What does it mean to be a Samoan woman? The following thesis addresses this question by exploring the lived experiences of Samoan women with particular reference to religion and gender relations. Adopting an inter-disciplinary approach, it sheds light on the tenacity of socio-cultural and political factors that influence women’s roles and status. In particular, this research explores how Samoan women navigate the differing and often contradicting worlds of culture, Christianity, family, education, politics and gender.
Information for this research was obtained through a series of interviews and literature analysis of primary and secondary sources. It has been the aim of this thesis to prove, not only to myself, but to those with a background and understanding similar to my own, that we, as women, are not inferior within Samoan culture. The participants’ words have been integrated throughout this thesis from Chapter One so as to emphasise and give stength to the voice of Samoan women. This thesis is centred on the inspiration and aspiration of these women and as a result, their testimonies have been brought alongside the literature as opposed to being supplementary. Women’s roles as sisters, wives and daughters are explored and the question is posed whether their cultural importance and status has been diminished by the influence of Christianity.
From the evolution of women’s roles, to the changing meanings of the feagaiga, from the arrival of Christianity to the present day, women within Samoan society play a role that is imperative to the proper function of families, villages, districts and nation. The arrival of Christianity has not stripped us of our traditional importance but has increased and expanded our roles. We, Samoan women, are not oppressed, we are not suppressed; we have a voice, a place and dreams.
2015-07-29T01:14:32ZWayfinding: A grounded theory about family carers learning to manage technical health procedures at homehttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/5813
Wayfinding: A grounded theory about family carers learning to manage technical health procedures at home
2015
McDonald, Janet Rose
Advances in medical care and technology, population ageing, policy shifts towards community care and family preferences for home over institutional settings are all contributing to increased demands on family carers. Beyond housework or personal care, some carers take responsibility for ‘technical health procedures’ ranging from changing wound dressings to managing a tracheostomy. There has been limited research about carers’ experiences with such roles or how professionals teach and support carers who manage these procedures.
The objectives of this research were to develop theory about how families learn to undertake technical health procedures and their experiences of managing these procedures at home. Grounded theory methodology was used, with data drawn from interviews with 26 family carers caring for their child (20), partner (3), parent or grandparent (3). Technical procedures included nasogastric, gastric or jejunal feeding, intravenous or subcutaneous medication, urinary catheters, bowel stoma care, tracheostomy management and peritoneal dialysis. In addition, 15 health professionals involved with teaching family carers were interviewed.
An overall theory of ‘wayfinding’ has been developed to explain the experience of carers who learn to manage technical health procedures. Wayfinding was motivated by wanting good care and a good life for the care recipient. It was an active process, utilising health professional and other sources of learning and adapting them through lived experience to unique home situations.
Wayfinding comprised two processes, the first of which was a learning journey. This had three phases: initial concentrated professional teaching; taking responsibility and continuing learning as a novice carer; and ultimately, with time and experience, becoming an expert carer. Through this process, relationships between carers and health professionals could change from learner:teacher to the mutual recognition of expertise.
Alongside the learning process, a second process of embracing care described the way family carers experienced and responded to taking on the role of managing technical health procedures. The spectrum of embracing care consisted of five positions which carers adopted and moved between, namely accepting embrace, resisting embrace, reluctant embrace, relinquishing embrace and being overwhelmed by the caring role. Two factors which influenced carers’ movements between positions on this spectrum were whether or not they perceived the procedure benefitted their family member and the availability or absence of appropriate support for managing it.
Managing technical health procedures at home occurs in the context of family relationships and often with limited alternatives. The challenge for society and health services is to consider what level of caring should be expected of families and how carers can best be taught and supported in this important role.
2015-07-28T20:58:23ZAn investigation of young and educated Chinese consumers' perceptions of beverages treated by pulsed-electric field and high hydrostatic pressure processinghttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/5812
An investigation of young and educated Chinese consumers' perceptions of beverages treated by pulsed-electric field and high hydrostatic pressure processing
2015
Lee, Pui Yee
High hydrostatic pressure processing (HPP) and pulsed-electric field (PEF) are processing technologies that add value to foods by improving safety through lowering microbial loads in addition to minimizing the changes in sensory properties and nutritional value. Little is known about how Chinese consumers perceive these processing technologies and what factors influence their food decision making. This thesis investigated Chinese consumers’ perceptions of HPP and PEF processing technologies, and the subsequent influence of these perceptions on consumers’ decision making for beverages treated by these technologies.
Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were employed in five consumer studies: (i) focus groups were conducted to investigate consumers’ perceptions of HPP and PEF technologies and their treated healthy beverages; (ii) the attributes, consequences, and personal values influencing consumers’ healthy beverage decision making were identified using means-end chain theory and association pattern technique; (iii) conjoint analysis was used to measure the relative importance of the extrinsic attributes when consumers make fruit juice decisions; (iv) napping with ultra-flash profiling was applied to understand the sensory attributes that drive consumers’ perceptions of apple juices; and (v) the effects of technology information on consumers’ acceptance of HPP and PEF treated apple juices were investigated using “blind-label-informed” acceptance test.
The findings revealed that Chinese consumers were generally open-minded and receptive towards HPP and PEF technologies and were prepared to pay a premium for the treated beverages. Perceived benefits such as the reduced need for additives, retained flavor, and nutritional content for HPP and PEF treated beverages were most valued by the Chinese consumers. However, there are four key considerations that must be addressed during the development and marketing of HPP and PEF treated food products in China. Firstly, it is important to identify Chinese consumer segments. Cluster analysis identified three Chinese consumer segments: Health Conscious, Premium Product, and Long Product Shelf-life, revealing heterogeneity in Chinese consumers’ product preferences. Secondly, it is crucial for food manufacturers to select the right processing method for food products. The effects of HPP and PEF technologies on the sensory profile of apple juices were cultivar dependent. Thirdly, educational and communication requirements need to be carefully considered as these play a pivotal role in consumer acceptance of HPP and PEF technologies. The provision of technology information diminished consumers’ perceived risks towards HPP and PEF technologies, and increased their stated purchase intentions for the treated beverages. Lastly, special attention should be given to improving the labels of HPP and PEF treated food products. It is recommended to provide the processing technology information applied to the food on the product’s label as this information had a positive influence on Chinese consumer acceptance of HPP and PEF treated products.
The current thesis has demonstrated the use of a consumer-oriented approach to obtain an understanding of the mechanisms by which Chinese consumers form perceptions of HPP and PEF processing technologies and how these perceptions influence consumers’ beverage decision making. The insights gained in this thesis indicate an exciting time ahead for manufacturers of HPP and PEF treated food and beverage products in China.
2015-07-28T20:45:11ZIron Maori: A Kaupapa Māori Driven Hauora Initiativehttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/5811
Iron Maori: A Kaupapa Māori Driven Hauora Initiative
2015
Pohatu, Lisa
This research aims to gain an understanding around why Iron Maori had led to Māori and non-Māori choosing to make significant lifestyle changes through Iron Maori. Iron Maori is a half Iron Man triathlon event comprised of a 2km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run and was created with the vision of “healthy and vibrant whānau participating in all aspects of life and promoting wellbeing from kaumātua to mokopuna”. Kaupapa Māori methodology was employed within this research to allow the voices of Māori people to be heard whilst adhering to Māori philosophies. Five principles of Kaupapa Māori Theory were essential to this research: Tino Rangatiratanga; (Self determination); Taonga Tuku Iho (Cultural Aspiration); Kia Piki Ake I Ngā Raruraru O Te Kainga (Socio-economic mediation); Whānau (Extended family structures) and; Kaupapa (Collective Philosophy). Ten Iron Maori participants were interviewed kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) and a combination of inductive and deductive analysis techniques were used. The analysis was shaped by Iron Maori values, Kaupapa Maori theory, my personal knowledge and experience, literature and data collected from participants.
The key findings of this study are that: the concept of whānau lies at the heart of Iron Maori; various environments have a significant role in shaping a person; being a role model and leader is also a major motivating factor for people to participate in Iron Maori because for the majority of people who engage with Iron Maori, these disciplines seem very daunting and near impossible and can very easily be put in the ‘too hard box’. This wero, alongside the role modelling adds to the motivation to make significant lifestyle changes. Finally, incorporating and utilising KM principles throughout a Māori focussed event when the target audience is Māori clearly works well for Māori people as seen in Iron Maori.
Iron Maori continues to fulfil the vision of healthy and vibrant whānau participating in all aspects of life and promoting wellbeing as well as normalising Māori philosophies and values. Knowledge gained from this research will provide evidence for other indigenous health promoters to use as a successful framework to encourage healthy lifestyles.
2015-07-27T23:47:50Z